Wine and myrrh
Is it okay to drink wine that is mixed with myrrh for flavor? I have heard that it tastes great, though I have heard some say you should not drink it because Jesus denied it when he was on the cross. I have heard others say you can drink it because there are are no dietary guidelines in the New Testament, and the reason Jesus denied it is because it would have taken away his suffering on the cross.
There are no New Testament ceremonial laws. Colossians 2:16 states: “Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day.” When it comes to diet, sanctified common sense and the desire to glorify God (1 Corinthians 10:31) guide Christians.
Your closing thoughts about Jesus on the cross are correct. Previously, I offered this commentary: “Myrrh had the properties of dulling the senses and making a crucifixion victim more cooperative and less likely to put up any resistance as he was being fastened to a cross. When Jesus tasted the potion offered by the soldiers, he rejected it. He refused to reach the culmination of his messianic mission in a stupor; he was going to drink the cup of suffering for the world’s sins fully alert and in command of his senses. That meant he would refuse to drink what was in the soldiers’ cup.” (When Christ Walked Among Us)
At some point later, expressed his thirst—fulfilling prophecy (Psalm 22:15)—and then received wine vinegar, without myrrh, to be able to speak loudly and clearly the message the world needed to hear: “It is finished” (John 19:30).